Sofia, the heart of Bulgaria, tells its story not only through politics and culture but also through its architecture and urban design. From wide boulevards to winding alleys, the city’s built environment reflects its layered history, social evolution, and contemporary challenges. Understanding these architectural and urban issues helps reveal the identity and character of Sofia. Urban planners, architects, and historians emphasize that buildings and city layouts are more than functional structures; they are expressions of social values, economic priorities, and cultural trends. Sofia’s mixture of historic landmarks, modern office buildings, and residential neighborhoods illustrates the city’s ongoing evolution. Historical Layers…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Known for her thorough reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.
Sofia is undergoing a significant transformation as city officials prioritize pedestrianisation in key areas. This shift, aimed at reducing car traffic, enhancing urban life, and promoting sustainability, reflects broader societal changes in how citizens interact with public spaces and urban environments. Pedestrian zones have expanded in the city center, allowing residents and visitors to walk freely, enjoy public spaces, and access shops, cafes, and cultural sites without vehicle congestion. City planners argue that these measures are not merely traffic policies but part of a larger social and environmental transformation. Redefining Urban Mobility Pedestrianisation changes how people move through the city.…
Sofia has formally applied for UNESCO heritage status for two of its most celebrated cultural traditions: the city’s Nestinarstvo fire-dancing ritual and the Rose Festival. Officials say the move is aimed at preserving and promoting these unique practices while highlighting Sofia’s cultural identity on a global stage. The application underscores Sofia’s commitment to safeguarding traditions that have shaped the city’s artistic and social life for generations. Both Nestinarstvo and the Rose Festival are deeply intertwined with local history and are considered symbols of the city’s creativity and community spirit. Nestinarstvo: A Living Tradition Sofia and the surrounding regions have a…
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada banned fibre optic internet in Balkh province to “prevent immorality,” officials confirmed Tuesday. Residents and Work Disrupted Government offices, businesses, schools, and homes lost Wi-Fi, though mobile data remains slow and costly. One resident may move provinces to maintain work. Authorities Promise Alternatives Provincial spokesman Haji Attaullah Zaid said officials will build an alternative network to provide essential connectivity within Afghanistan.
Investors poured money into Alphabet after a US judge blocked the forced sale of Google’s Chrome browser. The ruling ended a nearly five-year antitrust case, preventing a breakup of Google’s key businesses. Shares climbed more than 4% in European trading Monday, extending gains above 30% since January. Alphabet now joins an elite group of tech giants valued over $3 trillion, including Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. Nvidia leads at $4.2 trillion (€3.57tr), Microsoft follows at $3.8 trillion (€3.23tr), and Apple stands at $3.5 trillion (€3tr). Court Preserves Google Assets The US Department of Justice had demanded Alphabet sell Chrome and possibly…
Danish researchers found millions of people stop taking Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar medications within a year. The team analysed data from over 77,000 adults without diabetes who used anti-obesity medications. They discovered 52 percent quit within 12 months. Eighteen percent stopped within three months, 31 percent within six months, and 42 percent after nine months. GLP-1 Drugs Require Consistent Use Ozempic and Wegovy mimic hormones that reduce appetite. Researchers stress these drugs need long-term use to work effectively. Professor Reimar W. Thomsen said, “Patients lose all appetite control benefits if they stop taking these medications.” Risk Factors for Stopping Younger…
The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution supporting an independent Palestinian state. The resolution endorses a two-state solution, condemns Hamas’s October 7 attack, and criticizes Israel’s siege in Gaza. Member Nations Show Strong Support Out of 193 members, 142 voted for the New York Declaration, 10 opposed it, and 12 abstained. France and Saudi Arabia introduced the resolution, calling for the Palestinian Authority to govern all Palestinian territories. The plan requires forming a transitional administrative committee immediately after Gaza achieves a ceasefire. Hamas Must Disarm and Release Hostages The declaration directs Hamas to end its Gaza rule, surrender…
Police arrested the gunman who shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, President Donald Trump confirmed Friday. Trump told Fox News he learned about the arrest minutes before the broadcast, confirming officials held the suspect. A source close to the alleged shooter disclosed the suspect’s location, prompting authorities to act quickly. Public Tips Guide Investigation FBI and Utah police released video Thursday showing the suspect fleeing after shooting Kirk on campus. Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said public tips are producing crucial leads in the ongoing manhunt. The footage shows the suspect in sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a black…
Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted Jair Bolsonaro for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election. Three of five justices found the former president guilty on five counts. One justice has yet to vote. Justice Cármen Lúcia ruled for conviction Thursday, following Justice Luiz Fux’s vote to acquit on Wednesday. The court will determine Bolsonaro’s sentence once all five votes are cast, potentially sending him to prison for decades. Political Tensions Escalate The ruling deepens Brazil’s political divisions and could trigger backlash from the United States government. Donald Trump previously called Bolsonaro’s legal proceedings a “witch hunt” and tied a…
Eyewitnesses and videos show Charlie Kirk hit in the neck and rushed off stage for medical help. US President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on Wednesday, calling him “great, and even legendary.” Trump praised Kirk’s connection with American youth and offered condolences to his wife, Erika, and family. Chaos and Response at Utah Valley University Kirk spoke at a debate under a white tent marked “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A single shot rang out after he answered a question, and blood flowed from his neck. Police detained a suspect immediately but later released the individual. Authorities launched…
